Kate Compton is an actor, storyteller, improviser, filmmaker, and director who thrives on the transformative power of storytelling. She holds an MFA in Acting from Northwestern University and a BFA in Theatre from Michigan State University. She also studied improvisation and sketch comedy in the Conservatory Program at The Second City. With over two decades of experience in Los Angeles and Chicago, Kate has worked on both stage and screen. She believes in the magic of storytelling in all its forms—whether it’s a simple tale shared with a microphone in an intimate room or a grand drama on the big screen for an audience of millions.
Currently, Kate is experimenting with the intersection of documentary filmmaking and theatre, working on a show that blends her personal journey with body image alongside the stories of others. This project will feature documentary-style interviews, combined with monologues, puppetry, and audience interaction. Through this work, Kate aims to create an immersive experience where audiences can discover a new love for themselves and their bodies, fostering a sense of connection, empowerment, and acceptance.
As an educator, Kate’s ultimate goal is to create a brave and inspiring space where students can develop the confidence, resilience, and artistic freedom needed to thrive as creators in the world.
“While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die: whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness.” -Gilda Radner
What initiated the project Its Nice To Finally Meet You?
When I arrived at Wichita State University, one of the first creative projects I pursued was IT'S NICE TO FINALLY MEET YOU. The film began as an idea that Aaron Kunkel, our incredible co-writer and cinematographer, first started developing over ten years ago. Once I started my position at WSU, we decided to revisit this idea and realized we had an opportunity to finally bring it to life. We only had a few weeks to develop the concept before filming began so we quickly built an outline and got to work on the script. What drew me to the project was its message and the conversation that it inspires. Without giving too much away, the film explores a topic we don't often discuss and rarely see represented in media. At its heart, the story is about human connection and the unexpected ways we can support one another. It's also a reminder that meaningful relationships can emerge where we least expect them and that those connections often have the power to change us.
Can you tell us about the creative process, from the film's earliest stages to seeing
it shared with audiences around the country?
The project was a collaboration involving students from both the School of Performing
Arts and the School of Digital Arts, along with SPA faculty and community members.
We filmed over 7 weekends during the Fall Semester of 2025 and the generosity of our
community made the project possible. Professor Sabrina Vasquez opened her beautiful
home to us for filming and Byron McSwain and the team at Greater Grounds Coffee welcomed
us into their gorgeous coffee shop for several key scenes. Every person involved in
front of and behind the camera contributed their time, energy, and talent and this
film is stronger because of it. After production wrapped, Aaron and I spent countless
hours in post-production bringing the film to completion. We were fortunate to collaborate
with Patrick Kapp, an outstanding Chicago-based musician from the band Midwestern
Dirt, who composed the film's original score. We were also grateful to the Wichita
band Elliot Road for generously allowing us to use one of their songs during the film's
closing moments.
Since premiering, the film has traveled to festivals across the country and received an overwhelming response. We received an Honorable Mention from the jury at the Tallgrass Film Festival, won the Audience Award at Rock the Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, Best Short Film at the Iowa Independent Film Festival, and Best Picture at Nebraska's Little Blue River Film Festival. At the Sunny Side Up Film Festival, the film earned Best Short Drama, Best Actress for Kelsi Harris, Best Supporting Actress for Vonda Newby-Schuster, and Best Female Director. The Loveland Film Festival also recognized the project with its Best New Filmmaker award. We still have a few more film festivals coming up so we will see what happens at those.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching the film with audiences.
Every screening has been different and I love hearing how people respond to the story.
Seeing the film on the biggest screen it’s ever played on at the Tallgrass Film Festival
was particularly meaningful because so many Wichita State students came out to support
their classmates and see their work showcased in an actual movie theater (thanks to
Boulevard Theatres Old Town). As an educator, that moment felt really special and
I’m so glad I got to experience it alongside the students.
Were there any memorable moments that stood out?
One of my favorite behind-the-scenes memories happened during filming at Professor
Vasquez's home. Her dogs, Odie and Hercules, quickly became the unofficial emotional
support animals of the production. During an especially emotional scene, they seemed
to sense exactly what everyone needed and wandered onto set to comfort cast and crew
members. It was a small moment, but it perfectly captures the spirit of the project:
people (and dogs!) coming together to support one another while creating something
meaningful.
I'm so proud of what our students accomplished on this film and grateful to everyone
who helped bring it to life. Seeing their work celebrated on screens across the country
has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
